Instructional Technology Conference 2009

Title: Reinventing the Review: Using Wimba Classroom™, SoftChalk™ and Studymate™ as Exam Preparatory Tools

Name: Neena Grissom, Kimberly Morton

Audience: This presentation would be of interest to faculty, instructional technology specialists, and lab directors.

Audience Level: Intermediate – Participants should have a working knowledge of PowerPoint and general knowledge of other technology

Length: 1 Hour

Abstract: Teaching to multiple learning styles can be an achievable goal with Wimba Classroom™ 5.2, SoftChalk™ and StudyMate™.  Presenters will discuss how these three interactive video, audio and learning tools were used in a pilot Wimba project for student enrolled in a nursing medical-surgical course at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences to enhance student preparation for exams.

Description: Faculty members at the undergraduate level are increasingly asked to incorporate multimedia elements into traditional face to face lecture. Due to multiple learning styles present in large classes some students may benefit from a video or audio presentation while others feel the need to take notes in order to remember key points.  Teaching to multiple learning styles can be an achievable goal using captured video and audio in conjunction with learning games outside of the classroom to reinforce in-class learning. Wimba Classroom™ 5.2, SoftChalk™ and  Respondus StudyMate™ are three interactive tools used in a pilot Wimba project for nursing students enrolled in a nursing medical-surgical course at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.  These software tools help bridge the gap between what students learn in their own study time and what information is retained in class for the purpose of increasing students’ exam preparatory skills.

Presenters will take the audience through their pilot Wimba project journey. Beginning with how to know if your project is “Wimba worthy,” presenters will discuss the importance of storyboarding the narrative and video segments before beginning the recording process as well as working with your local IT support to ensure adequate audio and video capture devices are available.

The primary focus of this demonstration will be using Wimba Classroom™ to enhance traditional lecture in an asynchronous content review format.  SoftChalk™ and Studymate™ learning games can be accessed in between Wimba presentations so that the information from the videos is retained more quickly by students. Presenters will discuss best practices for interactive games and share student feedback about the Wimba project.

Wimba Classroom™ 5.2 is a virtual on-line presentation environment that includes audio, video, application sharing and content display. It can be used for synchronous or asynchronous distance education and integrated into WebCT ™, Blackboard™ and other content management systems. For the purpose of this demonstration, the asynchronous archived audio, video and application sharing features will be covered.

SoftChalk™ creates interactive web pages that include pop-up text annotations, self-assessment quizzes, and interactive learning games. The presenter will demonstrate the creation of a SoftChalk™ game and discuss how to incorporate the files into WebCT ™ or Blackboard™.

Studymate™ is a software tool that allows the creation of multimedia Flash-based learning games.  The software is focused around topic areas and requires no programming knowledge on the part of the user. The presenter will demonstrate how StudyMate™ games can be built quickly and used as measurement instruments for content covered in the Wimba Classroom™.

Both SoftChalk™ and Studymate™ can also be used as standalone tools outside of Wimba Classroom™, WebCT ™ or Blackboard™.

At the conclusion of the demo the participants will be able to ask questions.  Handouts will be provided on each tool with cost information and information on where to purchase the tools.

Session Type: Lecture/Presentation - presenter will share information about the session topic with participants.

On-Site Equipment Requirements: Will need projector and internet connection. Presenters will bring a laptop.

Contact Information/Affiliation:
Neena Grissom, MSN, RN
Clinical Assistant Professor
College of Nursing
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
4301 W. Markham, Slot 529
Email: grissomneenal@uams.edu    
Phone: (501) 686-8018
Fax:(501) 686-8350

Kimberly Morton,  MA, BBA
Director Academic Administration and Informatics
College of Nursing
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
4301 W. Markham, Slot 529
Little Rock, AR 72205
Email: mortonkimberlyj@uams.edu
Phone: (501) 526-6498
Fax:(501) 686-8350